Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

This conversation is moderated according to USA TODAY's
community rules.
Please read the rules before joining the discussion.

OPINION

Signing with the Locomotive is a dream come true

Omar Salgado, Guest columnist
Published 3:37 p.m. MT Dec. 7, 2018

Buy Photo

El Paso Locomotive FC player, El Paso’s own Omar Salgado was one of several speakers that addressed the large crowd on hand at the EPIC Railyard Event Center, to hear the announcement of the teams new name. The El Paso Locomotives FC, rolled out as the new professional soccer team name.(Photo: RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES)Buy Photo

The holiday season reminds us all of the importance of family and community traditions. My family tradition started when I was three years old, when my father would take me to Westside Community Park to kick around a soccer ball and practice our penalty kicks. I would pretend to be Raul Gonzalez and my dad would do his best Iker Casillas impression. Little did I know that this family tradition would become a life calling taking me around the world, playing for professional soccer teams in both Mexico and the United States, and representing both countries in major international competitions.

My love for soccer started while I was playing for the El Paso Texas Fire Soccer club. There was nothing more exciting than playing alongside young El Pasoans and Juarenses who would give their all to the sport — leaving behind sweat and tears on the field — and then come together at Village Inn to celebrate a hard-fought game. Those early games, and early coaches, taught me everything I have used in my soccer career.

That training allowed me to be signed by Mexico’s professional soccer league (Liga MX), where I played for Chivas Guadalajara and Tigres UANL, and later by Major League Soccer (MLS), where I played for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Las Vegas Lights.

When I wasn’t busy on the field, I would explore the local communities, enjoying the street tacos of Guadalajara or B.C. rolls in Vancouver. While I value and treasure these experiences, I know that the best is yet to come and I couldn’t be more excited about soccer than I am now.

When I signed to play for El Paso’s first professional soccer team, the El Paso Locomotive, it was a dream come true. Thanks to the leadership of MountainStar Sports Group, I can finally play professional soccer in my hometown in front of friends and family, and have El Paso cheer on our local team.

After all, El Paso represents the best of both the United States and Mexico and what soccer is all about: bringing people together. We have a unique culture here, and we have the chance to build a soccer team that not only demonstrates that culture but can also put El Paso on the international map. It was a no-brainer for me to be part of this movement sweeping El Paso, not only because I would have unlimited access to mom’s home cooking, but because I could be part of creating new opportunities for future El Paso youth who find their passion in soccer.

While I’m excited to have family cheer me on at Southwest University Park, I’m also excited about cheering on my own community. A lot has changed since I left El Paso — downtown is lively and booming with new restaurants; new parks where kids can practice sports are sprouting up throughout the city; and new community events, concerts, and vibrant nightlife are giving El Pasoans something to look forward to every week. There is new energy and signs of progress all around us, and I want to be part of that movement.

If we build on the momentum that is surrounding our city, I know El Paso can rival other international cities and be a place where high-level, professional soccer thrives.

I joined the El Paso Locomotive to play hard and help the team win. But also, I am happy to be home and to help usher in a new era of traditions in the 915 where families come together to cheer on their team, and their city. I invite all of you to hop on board. Our destination is in our own hands. El Paso is making great progress, and I hope it continues. We’ll make sure to provide some great soccer and entertainment along the way.